EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs SR-20

The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA and the SR-20 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Cirrus respectively. The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA reaches 927 km/h — 3.2x the SR-20's 287 km/h. The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has an operational range of 8,300 km vs 1,450 km for the SR-20. The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA operates at altitudes up to 10,058 m compared to 5,334 m for the SR-20. At 136,304 kg MTOW, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA is 99:1 the SR-20's 1,383 kg. The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has been produced in 45 units vs 1,459 for the SR-20. Unit cost is $150M for the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs $0.63M for the SR-20. The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA first flew 34 years before the SR-20 (1961 vs 1995).

American electronic surveillance and relay aircraft, involved largely in Cold War and Space Race-era operations.
Boeing EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 1 January 1961
Year introduced 1968
Number produced 45 units
Average unit price $150 million
American civil utility aircraft, renowned from the late 20th century, extensively deployed in private aviation and flight training.
Cirrus SR-20 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Cirrus
First flight 21 March 1995
Year introduced 1999
Number produced 1459 units
Average unit price $0.6 million
Wing area 223.0 m²
Wingspan 31.6 m
Height 12.7 m
Length 43.1 m
Maximum speed 927 km/h
Operational range 8,300 km
Service ceiling 10,058 m
Max. takeoff weight 136,304 kg
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 4 x 8,165 kgf
Wing area 13.5 m²
Wingspan 11.7 m
Height 2.5 m
Length 8.0 m
Maximum speed 287 km/h
Operational range 1,450 km
Service ceiling 5,334 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,383 kg
Empty weight 943 kg
Total thrust 1 x 149 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or SR-20?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA is faster with a maximum speed of 927 km/h compared to the SR-20's 287 km/h, a difference of 640 km/h.
Which has longer range, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or SR-20?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has a longer range at 8,300 km compared to the SR-20's 1,450 km.
Which can fly higher, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or SR-20?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has a higher service ceiling at 10,058 meters (32,998 ft) compared to the SR-20's 5,334 meters (17,500 ft).
Which is heavier, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or SR-20?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 136,304 kg compared to the SR-20's 1,383 kg.
Which is larger, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or SR-20?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA is longer at 43.1 meters compared to the SR-20's 8.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or SR-20?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA is more expensive at approximately $150 million per unit compared to the SR-20 at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or SR-20?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA entered service first in 1968, 31 years before the SR-20 which entered service in 1999.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or SR-20?
The SR-20 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,459 units compared to 45 units of the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA.